Culinary Experience: Food from Forest
A journey into indigenous wisdom, wild flavors, and sustainable traditions rooted in nature
Ekathra’s Culinary Experiences also introduces guests to the unique and ancient tradition of forest-based cuisine, followed by Kerala’s indigenous communities. Rooted in sustainability and nature worship, these culinary practices showcase an extraordinary variety of wild yams, roots, beans, and leafy greens harvested from the forest.
The indigenous communities of Kerala have developed cooking techniques that preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of their ingredients. Methods such as Kumbamkaachal (bamboo cooking), where food is slow-cooked inside bamboo tubes over an open fire, and Kallumoodal, where food is covered with heated stones to create an earthy and smoky taste, are fascinating to witness and delicious to experience. Different tribal groups have their own unique preparations, based on the availability of produce in their surroundings.
These traditional foods are not just about nourishment; they carry deep cultural and ecological significance. The reliance on forest produce for sustenance has led to the conservation of many endemic plant species, and even today, efforts are being made to revive and sustain these agricultural practices. Kerala’s decreasing rice cultivation has sparked movements to conserve traditional rice varieties, much like the indigenous knowledge systems that protect the forests’ edible treasures.
Guests will have the rare opportunity to interact with the forest-dwelling communities, learning about their time-honored food traditions, sustainable foraging practices, and the deep respect they hold for nature. They will also engage in hands-on cooking sessions, discovering how these nutrient-rich foods are prepared in the most sustainable and health-conscious ways.
Join us on this culinary odyssey, where the bounty of the sea meets the abundance of the forest, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Kerala’s diverse gastronomic heritage.
